Lesson 2: The Disinformers

Summary

This video lesson, produced by the U.S. Department of State, explores the role of disinformers in spreading false information. It highlights how disinformation is disseminated by various entities, including governments, businesses, and individuals, often exploiting emotions and psychological biases. Disinformers use tactics such as repetition and confirmation bias to convince people of partially or wholly untrue narratives, which can result in dangerous real-world consequences. The lesson emphasizes the importance of understanding these tactics to counter disinformation effectively and protect freedoms and human rights.

Takeaways

• 📚 Disinformation is a tool used to create discord and can be intimidating, but understanding it can empower communities.
• 👤 Disinformation is spread by a variety of entities and individuals, including governments, political parties, businesses, individuals, and bots.
• 🌐 Motivations for spreading disinformation are diverse, ranging from ideological to political to financial gains.
• 📈 Disinformation is spread through various mediums such as text, memes, GIFs, photos, audio, and video, both online and offline.
• 🎯 The goal of disinformation is to convince people to believe in something that is wholly or partially untrue.
• 🧠 Disinformers exploit psychological vulnerabilities and emotions, often promoting divisive topics to create anxiety, anger, and confusion.
• 💊 Disinformation can have real-world impacts, such as influencing people to take dangerous actions or avoid safe ones.
• 📊 Disinformers use technology and social media platforms to spread disinformation, often creating content that appears credible.
• 🔁 A common tactic is repetition, where the same narrative is shared across platforms to reach a larger audience and gain credibility.
• 🔄 Confirmation bias is exploited by disinformers to favor information that supports existing beliefs or predispositions.
• 🌍 Disinformation has destructive effects on communities and can spread across international borders, impacting human rights and freedoms.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson titled 'The Disinformers'?

The lesson focuses on understanding the entities and individuals, known as disinformers, who spread disinformation and the methods they use to disseminate it.

Who wrote the lesson on disinformation?

The lesson was written by Jacobo Licona, the CEO and founder of JL Research, a firm specializing in research on disinformation and misinformation.

What kind of media does disinformation typically use to spread?

Disinformation is spread through various media including text, memes, GIFs, photos, audio, and video.

How do disinformers exploit psychological vulnerabilities?

Disinformers exploit psychological vulnerabilities by tapping into emotions and promoting divisive topics to create anxiety, anger, frustration, and confusion.

What are the real-world impacts of disinformation mentioned in the script?

Real-world impacts of disinformation can include leading people to take dangerous medications or avoid safe and effective vaccines, and even inciting acts of violence or political unrest.

How do disinformers use technology and social media to their advantage?

Disinformers use technology and social media platforms to spread disinformation by creating engaging content that appears credible and by building a presence that resembles real news sources.

What is the significance of repetition as a tactic used by disinformers?

Repetition is used by disinformers to share the same post or narrative across platforms to reach a larger audience, which can lead to increased credibility and belief in the disinformation.

What is confirmation bias and how do disinformers use it?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor or accept information that supports our existing beliefs. Disinformers exploit this by creating narratives that align with and reinforce the fears and suspicions of a community.

How does disinformation affect communities and why is it important to understand it?

Disinformation can have destructive effects on communities by spreading across borders and undermining trust. Understanding disinformers and their tactics is crucial for countering disinformation and protecting freedoms and human rights.

What is the next step recommended for individuals to combat disinformation?

The next step is to learn about best practices for identifying and countering disinformation, which will be covered in the subsequent lessons.

Where can one find more information about this course and related resources?

Additional information about the course and related resources can be found on the U.S. Department of State's website.